Personal Style

I've only been student teaching for one week, and I have already noticed that I have a sort of style of teaching or interacting with students.

I like to walk around during class, checking on each student to see how they are doing. If it looks like someone is struggling (not writing anything, not paying attention, look confused) I will ask them how they are doing, or if they have any questions. I will try to point out tips to help them (bold words in the text, key words, ideas/images they may have missed that will help them). Very one-on-one, trying to keep moving in the room.

For the students who are talking too much, acting up, or just not doing their work, I also try to speak with one-on-one, rather than where the entire class can hear. (If they are not working because they want attention, it won't help to give them more, will it?) Sometimes this means just tapping their book or computer screen to tell them to focus, sometimes I will say, "what question are you on?" or "do you know the answer to this one?" to make sure they are on task. I have also had to be more firm and tell students to stop their current behavior or I will have to separate them, or other similar statements. Although I feel I am handling these situations well, I haven't encountered any truly disruptive situations yet.

I have also been trying to make an effort to stop and check on the quieter students who are doing well, to ask them if they have any questions, or just give them a thumbs up for doing well. Two students I didn't talk to much were the only ones to finish their work on Friday out of all the classes I was in, so I made a point to tell them so. This is something I need to continue to work on. Many times I only pay attention to those who are not working or are struggling the most.

So, I am excited to notice that I am developing a sort of style, and am eager to continue to develop it as I learn more about the art (and science) of teaching.